1 A Raisin in the Sun Act II Study Guide

Name: ______

SCENE ONE 1. Benethea says that she “hates assimilationist Negroes” (81). Her definition of assimilation is: It means someone who is willing to give up his own culture and submerge himself completely in the dominant, and in this case oppressive culture!” Which character(s) would be an example of an assimilationist? Why?

2. Why is Beneatha against assimilation?

3. How does George react to Beneatha’s attire?

4. What does this show about the contrast between the two men (George and Joseph Asagai)?

5. How does Walter insult George?

6. Why do you think he says these things?

7. Do you think Ruth and Walter’s relationship can be saved? If so, how?

8. What has Mama done with the money?

9. Why does Ruth’s excitement about the new house begin to fade when she discovers its location? 2

10. Why did Mama choose this location?

11. How does Walter react to Mama’s decision to buy a house? Why does he react this way?

12. Is Walter right when he accuses his mother of trying to run her children’s lives? Why or why not?

SCENE TWO 13. What does George tell Beneatha when they come home after their date? What does this reveal about his character?

14. What kind of person is their neighbor, Mrs. Johnson? What does Mama think of her?

15. What does Mrs. Johnson mention about current events in the news?

16. What has Walter been doing for the past three days instead of going to work; why?

17. What does Mama tell Walter to do with the money: why?

18. What does Travis want to be when he grows up? How does Walter react to that idea?

19. What is Walter’s dream for the future? Is it realistic? 3

SCENE THREE 20. How has Walter and Ruth’s relationship improved? Why do you think this change occurred?

21. Who is Mr. Lindner? Why does he visit?

22. How do the Youngers react when they realize Mr. Lindner’s real purpose for visiting them?

23. What do you think Mama would have said and done if she had been home when Mr. Lindner visited?

24. What gifts does Mama receive?

25. What news has Bobo come to tell Walter?

26. What does Walter admit about the money?

27. How does Mama react to this news?